“Sympathy Will Get You Killed”: Using Empathy in Corrections
Correctional officers know it can be difficult or dangerous to relate to or trust detainees. Yet, headlines that indicate a lack of compassion for incarcerated individuals are difficult to ignore.
Every incarcerated person is someone’s friend or family member. It is likely the detainees in your jail are members of your own community.
Know the difference
Both sympathy and empathy are forms of having concern for another person. ¹ Sympathy involves feeling someone else’s emotions without regard to reason. Being sympathetic may lead you to offer unwanted advice. Empathy involves trying to understand another’s feelings from outside the situation. This allows you to focus on facts and avoid emotional responses. To avoid responding in an inappropriate way, know the difference.
Show empathy
If a detainee is in crisis – whether that be physical, mental, or emotional – consider what you can do. Showing basic human decency can help keep your jail running smoothly. Offering appropriate assistance may help gain voluntary compliance of detainees.
Showing empathy includes:
Watching for non-verbal cues
Facial expressions and body language can provide unspoken details.
Using eye contact and nodding when you are spoken to
Listening actively
Statements like “I am hearing you say…” tell individuals you are listening.
Ask clarifying questions
Following up with “Is (this) what you mean?” will help keep communication clear.
Staying objective
Don’t personalize someone else’s issue(s).
Be firm, fair, and consistent
An appropriate power dynamic between officers and detainees should exist in jail. This may help maintain control and security. Follow your facility’s mission and policies while holding others accountable for their actions.
Using empathy can help build your professional relationships and assist in de-escalation during stressful situations. Empathy is a tool used to show compassion while remaining objective in an emotional situation. Be firm, fair, and consistent.
Jacobson, S. (2021, October 25). Sympathy and empathy - Do you really know the difference? Harley Therapy™ Blog. https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/sympathy-and-empathy.htm
Spina/Buffalo News, M. (2021, September 27). N.Y. jail fires CO after closing food port on inmate's arm. Corrections1. https://www.corrections1.com/jail-management/articles/ny-jail-fires-co-after-closing-food-port-on-inmates-arm-7Xb4fPy0dt357olB/
Maxwell, A. (2022, April 21). ‘We want the truth’: Family searches for answers after Duval inmate died following fight with guards. WJXT. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2022/04/20/we-want-the-truth-family-searches-for-answers-after-duval-inmate-died-after-altercation-with-guards/
Moore, M. (2021, September 22). WCSO: Former detention officer charged with assault, misconduct following internal investigation. WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wsco-former-detention-officer-charged-with-assault-misconduct-following-internal-investigation/
For more information on using empathy in corrections, contact training@sparktraining.us.
All materials have been prepared for general information purposes only. The information presented should be treated as guidelines, not rules. The information presented is not intended to establish a standard of medical care and is not a substitute for common sense. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current, and is subject to change without notice. Each situation should be addressed on a case-by-case basis. WHEN IN DOUBT, SEND THEM OUT. ®